Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman enjoyed a dream debut for Atletico Madrid, scoring his 100th senior career goal and providing an assist as Diego Simeone’s side thrashed Real Betis 4-0 to book a place in the Copa del Rey semifinals on Thursday night.
Just days after completing his move to the Spanish giants, Lookman was named in the starting lineup and he delivered a commanding display, orchestrating the win as Atletico reached the final four of the competition for the third consecutive season.
Atletico set the tone early in the contest and took the lead after 12 minutes when David Hancko rose highest to head home Koke’s corner, putting the visitors firmly in control. The pressure continued and, on the half-hour mark, Giuliano Simeone doubled the advantage with a close-range finish following an impressive team move.
The visitors showed no signs of easing off and added a third goal before the interval. Pablo Barrios drove forward from midfield before slipping the ball to Lookman, who displayed great composure inside the area, weaving past defenders and calmly slotting into the bottom corner to mark his debut in emphatic fashion.
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Lookman’s influence continued after the break and two minutes past the hour mark, he turned provider. Leading a swift counter-attack, the Nigerian winger delivered a clever reverse pass to Antoine Griezmann, who struck first time to make it 4-0 and effectively put the tie beyond Betis.
Following his standout performance, Lookman was substituted in the 79th minute to a warm reception, making way for fellow debutant Obed Vargas. Shortly after, Thiago Almada added a fifth to cap a dominant outing for Simeone’s men and complete a comprehensive victory.
The result sees Atletico Madrid advance to the semifinals alongside Barcelona, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, with the draw scheduled to take place on Friday. The semifinals will be played over two legs, home and away.
Attention now shifts back to La Liga for Atletico, who will face Real Betis again on Sunday in a repeat of the cup clash. This time, Simeone’s side will be at home, aiming to maintain their formidable form at the Metropolitano, where they have won 10 of their 11 league matches this season, drawing just once.
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